Venezuela, U.S. Interests & Regional Security: A Virtual Discussion
January 21st, 2026 12:00PM -1:00PM
The U.S.’s new National Security Strategy places the Western Hemisphere at the center of U.S. national security planning as Venezuela’s deepening political and humanitarian crisis draws renewed U.S. attention — from a months-long escalatory military campaign in the Carribean and counter-narcotics strikes, to the strike in Venezuela and Maduro's capture.
Join the World Affairs Council for a virtual discussion exploring the evolution of U.S.-Venezuela relations, military operations in Venezuela, and what might happen from here. Carrie Filipetti, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Venezuela and Cuba, and Brian Naranjo, former Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, will offer insights on what the United States’ next moves might mean for Venezuelans, Americans, and the Americas as a whole.
About our Speakers
Carrie Filipetti currently serves as the Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition. Prior to this role, Carrie served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cuba and Venezuela in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and the Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela at the U.S. Department of State, for which she received a Superior Honor Award. From 2019-2020, Carrie also served as the Senior Advisor to the Havana Incidents Task Force, where she was responsible for coordinating an inter-agency effort to address the causes of unexplained health incidents affecting U.S. personnel, and identifying proper long-term care mechanisms. Prior to these roles, Carrie served as a Senior Policy Advisor for the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN), where she advised U.S. Ambassador Nikki R. Haley on issues related to counterterrorism, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere.
Brian Naranjo had a career of over 30 years in the U.S. Foreign Service — including senior leadership roles in Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, the Department of State, and the White House. His career has centered on forging strategic alliances, advancing U.S. trade and security priorities, and resolving complex cross-border challenges through negotiation, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement. In Venezuela, Brian led a 400+ person mission as Deputy Chief of Mission, safeguarding U.S. citizens and businesses, promoting democratic governance, and managing high-risk diplomatic relations — culminating in his expulsion by the Maduro regime in 2018 for defending U.S. interests. As Minister Counselor for Political Affairs in both Ottawa and Mexico City, he scaled political engagement across 7–9 consulates, dramatically expanded strategic reporting, and built the relationships needed to drive policy influence. As Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Ottawa, Brian led a 1,500+ person mission and contributed directly to USMCA negotiations and bilateral defense cooperation.
About our Moderator
